Hey there, weekend trip fans – what's on your bucket list when it comes to destinations in Europe? Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bordeaux? Or perhaps something a little more unusual: Riga, Belgrade or Malmö?
My own bucket list looked pretty much the same. When I travelled to Strasbourg with a friend, I almost felt like I was on an adventure – and Strasbourg is really far from being an insider tip. (Have a look at my post about Strasbourg).)
Und dann bin ich nach Malta gegangen, weil ich dort einen Job als Tauchlehrerin angenommen habe, und habe zum ersten Mal Valletta besucht.
OMG.
Valletta is the most beautiful and perhaps also the least known European destination one could wish for!
Just a 2.5-hour flight from Austria or Germany, this European gem is the perfect destination for a fantastic weekend break. Impressive architecture, a fascinating history, lots of excellent bars and restaurants and – most importantly – perfect Italian-style Aperol Spritz.
Valletta for a quick weekend trip
Are you looking for a city that is easy and quick to reach and where you can spend two or three wonderful days? Perhaps for a girls' trip?
Europe's smallest capital city (in terms of area) does not overwhelm visitors with sightseeing opportunities. In fact, you can see all the main sights in half a day. The rest of the time is much better spent on long walks along the steep streets, alleys and city walls. Enjoy a cappuccino here, an Aperol Spritz there, a pastizzi and Maltese olives as a snack, and round off your day with a little shopping along Republic Street.
If Valletta becomes too small for you, simply hop on a boat and sail across Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. Alternatively, take the bus (the public transport network is excellent) and visit St. Julians, the Tarxien Temples or the charming harbour town of Marsaxlogg.
Valletta for lovers
Let's be honest: why on earth is Paris the city of love and romance? Paris is loud, big and decentralised, which means you spend half your stay on the metro.
When it comes to romance, Valletta will melt your heart. Family-run restaurants in narrow alleyways, hidden bars and an atmosphere that is perfect for lovers.
My tip? Grab a bottle of wine and two glasses and find a cosy spot to sit outside the city walls at Grand Harbour. And when dusk slowly falls, you can stroll back to your hotel hand in hand, with all the palazzi and venerable sites bathed in warm lantern light and street musicians playing on Republic Street.
Looking for the perfect place to propose? It's easy: Upper Barrakka Gardens at night, when it is beautifully lit and you have a view across the entire Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. It couldn't be more unforgettable.
Valletta for culture lovers
For a European capital, Valletta is a very young city – it was only founded in 1566. Nevertheless, it has no shortage of exciting and rich history thanks to the Knights of the Order of Malta.
After being expelled from the Holy Land, they settled on the small island of Malta, only to be confronted with the threat of the Turks. Although vastly outnumbered, the knights and soldiers of the Order defeated the Turks and were thus able to secure their new home. In the battles, Fort St. Elmo played a particularly important role in protecting the former capital Birgu (Vittoriosa).
But even after the war with the Turks, the threat of new attacks was always present. That is why the Grand Master of the Order, Jean de la Vallette, laid the foundation stone for a new, impregnable capital: Valletta. This strategic consideration is also the reason for the massive city walls, the large moat and the ramparts.
So if history is close to your heart, Valletta is the place for you.
Valletta for those who want it all
If you can't decide between a classic city break or a weekend by the sea, then there's Barcelona, for example... But honestly, we've all seen that before, haven't we?
Let's go to Valletta! Start sightseeing after a hearty breakfast and don't forget to pack your bikinis and swimsuits. If it gets too hot during the day, just head down to Grand Harbour and jump into the beautiful sea to cool off. Or take the bus to St. Peter's Pool near Marsaxlogg. Or grab a spot on a boat to Comino and enjoy Instagram-worthy views at the beautiful Blue Lagoon (caution: totally overrun in summer!).
The sea around Malta is crystal clear and turquoise blue – and the next cocktail is never far away.
Ihr wollt mehr Fotos sehen um eure Vorfreude zu steigern? Schaut euch einfach die Bildergalerie von Valletta bei Nacht an, und bucht das Ticket für’s Flugzeug!
